Lubricators

The lubricator is the main component of any plunger lift system. It is what accepts the plunger as it travels to the surface. The lubricator is securely installed to the top of the wellhead in ALL plunger lift system installations. The dual outlet configuration allows for optimal flow of gas and fluids during the plunger lift cycle. All flow from the well is diverted through it to the flowline.

With the potential of considerable impact when the plunger arrives at surface, the lubricator incorporates a spring-loaded receiver to dissipate this energy at arrival. The lubricator serves as pressure control equipment and is outfitted with a catch assembly that allows for the plunger to be caught at surface for inspection and removal purposes. This catching action can also be automated with the use of pneumatics.

Features & Benefits

The top cap has an API ACME #6 thread vs. a standard 8 rd thread. This provides a much safer connection when high impacts are seen at the surface.

The main lubricator is 3,000 psi WP. All lubricators are hydrostatically tested to 5,000 psi as per ASTM testing standards. 5,000 psi, sour service and flanged configurations are also available.

The catch assembly is a “dog” style catch rather than a ball or pin style. This helps ensure that the plunger is caught every time with the plunger as high up in the lubricator as possible for easy and safe removal for inspection.

Standard lubricator strings are made of 17-4 Stainless Steel to be able to handle low levels of sour service.

Available in 1-1/2", 2-1/16", 2-3/8", 2-7/8" and 3-1/2" sizes.

The plunger lift lubricators are available in two different pressure ranges and two different temperature ranges. The first is the Dual Port Regular-Temp Lubricator with a 24.1 MPa Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP), this lubricator is rated for a temperature range of -29 to 82 degrees Celsius. The second, more durable, lubricator is the family of Dual Port Low-Temp Lubricators. The MAWP for this lubricator family is 34.5 MPa and they are built for the harshest of environments. The working temperature range for the low-temp rated equipment is -46 to 82 degrees Celsius.

The lubricator is securely installed to the top of the wellhead in ALL plunger lift system installations. The function of the lubricator is to receive the plunger as it ascends to surface. Due to the potential of considerable impact when the plunger arrives at surface, there is the need for a spring-loaded receiver to dissipate this energy at arrival. The lubricator serves as pressure control equipment and is outfitted with a catch assembly that allows for the plunger to be caught at surface for inspection and removal purposes. This catching action can also be automated with the use of pneumatics.